Program Overview

Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering

The Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering program involves modern computational and experimental methods, providing essential information for students to acquire knowledge and skills of immediate practical importance. This knowledge is communicated in advanced courses listed in the MAE curriculum and used in the conduct of a thesis or project.

Areas of Study

The areas of study within the MSAE program include:

• Space Systems Engineering
• Aircraft Systems Engineering
• Aerodynamics and Computational Fluid Dynamics
• Aerospace Structures and Materials

Admission Criteria

To be considered for admission, the graduate applicant must have:

• Earned a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
• Been in good standing at the last institution attended
• A grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.7 for the last 60 (semester) or 90 (quarter) upper-division major units attempted
• The general Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required

Prerequisites

Prerequisites for the program include:

• A bachelor's degree in an accredited curriculum in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering with a minimum grade point average of 2.70 in the last 60 (semester) or 90 (quarter) upper-division major units attempted
• Applicants with a lower GPA may be admitted, subject to the successful completion of appropriate deficiencies assigned by the graduate advisor
• A bachelor's degree in engineering, mathematics, science, or other appropriate discipline, with the requirement that essential undergraduate prerequisites in engineering be satisfied

Requirements

The program requirements include:

Plan I

• Completion of a minimum of 30 units beyond the bachelor's degree in graduate and 400-level courses approved by the student's Department Graduate Advisor, including:
  • Eighteen units of 500- and/or 600-level courses in mechanical and aerospace engineering
  • Six units of electives selected from approved graduate or 400-level courses from appropriate areas
  • Completion of six units of MAE 698-Thesis and submission of a written thesis

Plan II

• Completion of a minimum of 30 units beyond the bachelor's degree in graduate and 400-level courses approved by the student's Department Graduate Advisor, including:
  • Twenty-four units of 500- and/or 600-level courses in mechanical and aerospace engineering
  • Six units of electives selected from approved graduate or 400-level courses from approved areas
  • Completion of a comprehensive written exam

Advancement to Candidacy

Prior to formally starting their thesis or project, students must apply for Advancement to Candidacy. Students applying for Advancement to Candidacy must:

• Have completed all undergraduate deficiencies with grades of "C" or better
• Have attained an overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.0
• Have completed at least 12 units applicable to the degree with a GPA of at least 3.0
• Have fulfilled the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR)
• Have their program of studies approved by the faculty coordinating their area of emphasis, the AE program graduate advisor, and department chair